buffer underrun error

hi there
I have been trying to burn some discs but I keep getting buffer underrun errors and that I should try burning at lower speed, but i'm burning at 4 speed so cant go any lower. Any ideas what could be causing this?
Thanks in advance.
Fangy

 

The system isn't sending the recording information (burn cache) to the CD-R buffer fast enough.

What is the make/model_number of your CD burner?

What O/S are you running?

How much RAM is in your (burning) machine?

What program/utility are you using to burn with (that you can't reduce to 2X)?

Do you disable any screensavers?

Do you do anything (else) with the system during the burn process?

 

My cd/dvd burner is a Pioneer Dvd-rw dvr 108, I'm using Windows XP with 512mb of memory, I usually use NTI to burn but I've tried a friends copy of Nero and it fails to burn also. I don't have the screen saver on when I'm burning and don't use the computer for anything else during burning. I've used this drive for about 2 years but only recently started having this problem.
Thanks,
Fangy.

 

The drive seems to be a good one;
http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Reviews/Specific.aspx?ArticleId=10114


Have you performed a Firmware update?;
http://www.pioneer.eu/eur/content/support/support/software.html
Caution! Once the drives have been updated, the drive will NOT be able to be restored to an earlier firmware version.

This software (RecordNow Deluxe v4.5) is supposed to work well with that drive, however it's not free. Trial/evaluations here;
http://www.orlogix.com/support_download.php?type=trial&pn=rndx


Are there any "?" or "!" marks in Device Manager?

While in Device Manager, expand the IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers and double click on the Primary channel and Secondary channel and check to see if you have an Advanced Settings tab. If so, click it and check your Transfer Mode for both channels, both devices. Set it to DMA if available if it's not already.

Are you using DVD-R, or DVD+R media?

 

I've not tried firmware yet, been a bit wary of ruining my drive, I had a look in the device manager, theres no ! or ?, and the primary and secondary channel's are set to DMA if available, I've always used - disc's but I have tried + but the drive doesn't seem to like them, It sometimes burned the odd one but overall didn't burn most of them. Do you think my only option is firmware?
Thanks for all your help,
Fangy.
I followed your link to the Pioneer site but don't know what firmware is for my drive, could you point me to the right one?
Thanks again.

 

I've seen firmware updates cure woes. Think of it as a driver update for the drives logic. It was manufactured/shipped on XX/XXX/XXXX date. Todays products (media etc) are of a newer technology. This firmware update helps the drive keep up with current (media) products.

Case in point:
I bought and installed a new LG DVD burner (LG Canada GSA-H50N) for a friend's system about two weeks ago. ($42.18 - CDN) There was already another LG DVD burner (LG Canada GSA-H10A) in his system. (About a year or so old.) He had tried to burn dual-layer DVD's with no success.

I looked up the drive at LG's website, and confirmed dual-layer burning capability. I saw a firmware update (GSA-H50N_101(EW).zip), and downloaded it. I ran it and it fixed the dual-layer issue. It applied to both drives, even though I'd just bought a brand new one off the shelf.

So, "Boldly go where you haven't gone before".

Just read all instructions and carefully follow them. As an example, I'll attach the read-me for his update. Yours may be different so follow yours of course, but this illustrates that there's no magic involved. Just follow what they say.

 

I took your advise and updated the Firmware on my drive, It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, In fact it was really easy. Now the drive is working great, it hasn't gave me any trouble atoll. Thanks for taken the time to help me, without it I would have scrapped the drive.
Fangy.

 

You're welcome.